Policies and Frequently Asked Questions

FreshGrass happens at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. North Adams is about 120 miles west of Boston, 160 miles north of NYC, and 45 miles east of Albany. The nearest airports are Albany, NY, and Windsor Locks, CT (near Hartford). Bus service from New York and Boston is available via Peter Pan. Detailed directions are available here.

Can I volunteer at FreshGrass?

To inquire about volunteering at FreshGrass this summer, please email volunteer@freshgrass.org. Advance training is required. The work involves considerable standing, though we will try to accommodate volunteers with special needs. The volunteer shifts are for 5 hours each, and two shifts are required to receive free all-fest passes. Click here for more information.

Is there parking nearby?

There is ample parking in the immediate vicinity of MASS MoCA and throughout downtown North Adams. We will arrange for additional remote parking, so check back for more information beginning in September. We encourage carpooling, walking, and cycling, and will provide convenient bicycle valet service at the front door. Handicapped parking is available on the museum property. Check the Get Here page for a downloadable parking lot map.

What about biking to the festival?

We encourage it and there will be a convenient parking lot for bicycles within 200 feet of our front door. Bring your bike!

Can I bring my kids, and do they have to pay?

Children are welcome, and admission is free for those 6 and under with an accompanying adult. There is a reduced price for kids 7–16. FreshKids events will be programmed at the festival. Kidspace is MASS MoCA’s gallery program tailored to children. Family offerings are detailed here. Please note that certain venues, especially in the galleries, will not be able to accommodate strollers.

Will there be dedicated activities for kids?

There will be kid-specific programs in addition to many kid-friendly activities. In addition, MASS MoCA’s Kidspace will be open every day during the festival. Stay tuned to the family area for activity previews and announcements.

To help protect delicate art, strollers, umbrellas, folding chairs, large bags + backpacks (and other large, ungainly objects) are not allowed in the galleries. Strollers and chairs will not be permitted in some venues. There is no bag check, so please leave your disallowed items in your locked car.

Strollers and folding chairs are permitted on Joe’s Field (where space is ample), and not in the smaller courtyard venues or galleries (where space is more limited).

There will be a limited instrument check service at the box office, but please do not leave instruments with us overnight!

There are no coat or chair checking services provided.

Are cameras allowed at FreshGrass?

PERMITTED: Polaroid, SLR, point and shoot, pocket and phone cameras for personal use
NOT PERMITTED: flash photography, tripods, detachable lens over 120mm, all video
We ask that you refrain from using your phones and devices during the live performances at FreshGrass, as they are disturbing to both patrons and performers. Long lenses and tripods are not permitted. Since there is no bag check, you should leave your long-lens cameras and tripods locked in your car for safekeeping. Professional photographers MUST obtain a photo pass. Email us at press@freshgrass.com.

Will I be admitted to all venues?

The main stage and most outdoor courtyards will accommodate everyone. Some venues are space-limited, will not accommodate everyone in attendance, and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You must make reservations for the workshops on the morning of the events.

What if it rains?

This is a rain-or-shine event.

Can I submit my band, comedy act, or artwork for consideration?

Thank you for your interest, but we are not currently accepting submissions for the festival. However, click here for our FreshGrass Awards page for information on how your band might win a chance to participate in FreshGrass 2017.